6 April 2022

Strict DUI penalties introduced for e-scooter, bike riders

| Lottie Twyford
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Adam Muirson and Chris steel on e-scooters in Belconnen

Transport Minister Chris Steel is encouraging low-emission and active travel, including e-scooters. Photo: ACT Government.

Getting on an e-scooter to get home after a big night out in Civic could now prove a costly option after new legislation passed yesterday (5 April) in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

People caught riding an e-scooter or bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs can now be slapped with a maximum court-imposed fine of $3200.

While it was already illegal to ride a bike or e-scooter on roads while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there wasn’t a specific penalty for anyone on a road-related area like a bike path, verge or pavement. That’s no longer the case.

Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the new laws addressed a gap in the Territory’s existing drug and alcohol legislation.

“As new forms of transport like e-scooters grow in popularity, we want to ensure everyone uses them safely,” he said.

Chris steel

Minister for Transport and City Services said the new legislation sends a clear message to Canberrans that it’s not okay to jump on an e-scooter after a big night on the town. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Mr Steel said it was important to send a message to the community that riding an e-scooter or bike home after a few drinks wasn’t acceptable and would be met with penalties.

He said the ACT Government would now carry out an education campaign to ensure Canberrans knew the new rules.

The amendments to the existing legislation come ahead of a proposed expansion of the e-scooter scheme later this year.

On Monday, the first phase of this expansion was announced and an additional 400 e-scooters were brought online to connect the existing zones of the city and Belconnen via shared paths over Bruce Ridge.

READ ALSO ACT Government says digital driver’s licences still a few years away, not the digital priority

The Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill No. 2 introduced a new offence for riding a personal mobility device, such as an e-scooter, on road-related areas while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent of being incapable of having proper control.

The new offence carries a maximum court penalty of 20 units, but it will not carry any imprisonment term or come with automatic licence disqualification.

It followed previous legislation from the ACT Government that empowered police to direct a person to get off, or not get on, a personal mobility device if they are believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The introduction of stricter drug and alcohol penalties was one of the major recommendations of the six-month review of the shared mobility scheme undertaken last year.

The review found that while Canberrans were generally supportive of the e-scooter scheme, many believed there needed to be stricter rules and regulatory framework in place.

Mark Parton

Opposition spokesperson for transport and city services Mark Parton called the bill “common sense”. Photo: Region Media.

The bill passed the ACT Legislative Assembly with tripartisan support.

Opposition spokesperson for transport and city services Mark Parton described the amendments to the legislation as “common sense” that would serve to make the ACT’s roads safer.

“Road safety is one of those things that is much more important than politics and that sentiment continues,” Mr Parton said.

The bill also prohibits non-electric vehicles from parking in areas designated for electric vehicle charging.

This was welcomed by ACT Greens spokesperson for active travel Jo Clay.

“We know we need to move faster on getting closer to zero-emissions travel options. We need to make it practical and convenient for all Canberrans,” she said.

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Waiting to see a ‘high’ speed chase between some drunk on an e-scooter and the local constabulary on same. Wouldn’t that get great coverage. Does Mr Steel have any other transport apart from an e-scooter?

Capital Retro12:25 pm 09 Apr 22

I don’t think he is old enough to get a driver’s license.

James-T-Kirk4:55 pm 07 Apr 22

Has anybody actually read the bill.

CAMELS – Camels are the answer.

They defined ‘Animals’ as being Horses, Cattle and sheep. But then didn’t define the obvious one— Camels.

Looks like DUI on a camel is totally acceptable 🙂

It’s one thing to put laws in place, but they need to be acted upon.

Has anyone ever been fined for smoking at a bus stop, Interchange or LR Station? Based on the used butts I see, I’m guessing, not.

I wonder if the number of car DUIs will increase now?

More laws and no extra police?
If we keep going along this same path, they’ll charge you when they don’t like you or its politically motivated.

Any new laws should demonstrate that they have a capability to fully utilize the existing laws or provide extra funding.

Everything is a bandaid. Speed cushions in residential streets to avoid duplication/ expansions or fixing roads. Walk in centres to avoid fixing the ED. or dodgy development applications instead of fully fleshed out plans.

Capital Retro8:25 am 06 Apr 22

So, will the ACT Police now get “booze bikes” and test drunk/drugged scooter/bike riders in the early hours of the morning?

The ED at TCH will be clogged up with offenders getting blood tests for the police.

Another fantasy.

Unless you actually crash into a police officer you are very unlikely to ever get charged. This government is very keen on creating legislation but there is virtually no enforcement. Cars speed and tailgate – never caught. Park where you want – never fined. Overflowing rubbish bins and litter everywhere – nothing done. Buildings erected incorrectly – post construction amendments approved. I am no lover of the Liberal party but our current lot has to go; they are not acting in the best interests of our city.

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